American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) Practice Exam 2025 – The Complete All-in-One Guide to Exam Success

Allergic conjunctivitis primarily presents with symptoms that are directly related to the allergic response in the conjunctiva. Itching is one of the hallmark symptoms, often described as a significant and distressing feeling that prompts patients to rub their eyes. Redness occurs due to the dilation of blood vessels in response to allergens. Tearing is a common reaction as the body produces more tears to help wash away allergens and soothe the irritated surface.

Photophobia, which refers to light sensitivity, is not a typical symptom associated with allergic conjunctivitis. While it can occur in various ocular conditions, including infections or uveitis, it is less common in purely allergic scenarios. Patients typically do not experience significant discomfort from light in allergic conjunctivitis, making photophobia an atypical symptom in this context. Thus, the identification of photophobia as the option that does not align with the common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis helps clarify the nature of typical presentations in this condition.